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Riley Johnson

  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

Riley Johnson is a seasoned country music journalist whose deep passion for the genre shines through in her work. With over five years at Country Thang Daily, she covers everything from iconic classics to emerging hits, making her a cherished voice in the country music community.

Brief Biography

A Tennessee native, Riley grew up with a profound appreciation for the rich musical traditions of the South. Before joining Country Thang Daily, she developed her writing skills at esteemed publications like Billboard and People magazine. Riley’s dedication to her craft and her knack for connecting with readers through her vivid storytelling have solidified her reputation as a trusted country music journalist.

Experience

Riley’s journalism career began during her college years when she contributed to her university’s literary magazine. She also wrote music reviews and artist spotlights for her local newspaper. After college, Riley joined Billboard as a contributing writer, where she gained recognition for her detailed coverage of country music’s biggest names. She later transitioned to People magazine, where she specialized in feature stories on rising country stars and the latest industry trends.

At Country Thang Daily, Riley has authored numerous popular articles, including exclusive interviews, album reviews, and thought-provoking opinion pieces. Her ability to blend historical context with contemporary insights has garnered her a loyal readership.

Education

Riley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies. Her academic background, coupled with her practical experience, has equipped her with the skills to be an insightful and credible journalist.

Awards & Associations

Television Guest: Riley has appeared as a country music expert on regional news segments and popular music podcasts such as Nashville Soundcheck and Country Cast.
Festival Host: In the summer of 2021, Riley hosted a series of live panels at the Country Music Festival, featuring discussions with emerging artists.
Publication Contributor: Riley represents Country Thang Daily in print and online publications, including Rolling Stone Country, Billboard, and MusicRow Magazine.

Personal Interests

Outside of her professional endeavors, Riley enjoys exploring Nashville’s dynamic music scene, attending live concerts, and discovering new local talent. She’s also an avid reader, often delving into biographies of country music legends.

Important Questions From Country Thang Daily

Best advice for aspiring country music journalists?
Never stop learning and always be curious. The stories behind the music are endless, and there’s always something new to discover.

What’s your all-time favorite country song?
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones. Its emotional depth and storytelling are unparalleled in country music history.

Dream country music interviewee?
Emmylou Harris. Her influence on country music and her storied career would provide incredible insights and stories.

Favorite after-concert snack?
A slice of warm pecan pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – the perfect Southern treat after a night of great music.

Latest Stories

Cat Stevens + The First Cut is the Deepest

Cat Stevens Tries To Love Again After A Heartbreak In “The First Cut is the Deepest”

P.P. Arnold’s “The First Cut is the Deepest” was written by Cat Stevens, and he released his own version months later in her album New Masters.

Travis Tritt and Lari White + Helping Me Get Over You

Travis Tritt, Lari White, and Lost Love: “Helping Me Get Over You”

Travis Tritt and Lari White’s ‘90s collaboration song “Helping Me Get Over You” is a heartbreaking and passionate duet over lost love. 

Conway Twitty’s And His BBC Banned Rendition Of The Irish Song “Danny Boy” 

In 1959, Conway Twitty joined the list of artists covering the Irish song “Danny Boy.” His version charted on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Your Cheatin' Heart cover by Cash Singleton

Six-Year-Old Cowboy Cash Singleton rocks Kentucky Opry with “Your Cheatin’ Heart”

When Cash Singleton was just six years old, he owned “Your Cheatin’ Heart” in the Kentucky Opry.

Randy Travis + It's Just a Matter of Time

Randy Travis Turns “It’s Just a Matter of Time” into a Bluesy Rendition

Randy Travis delivers sublime velvety vocals in his version of “It’s Just a Matter of Time” that will make you play the song over and over!

David Houston Almost Persuaded

The Story Behind the Song that Ruled Country Music for 9 Weeks: David Houston’s “Almost Persuaded”

Here’s what you need to know about David Houston’s hit song “Almost Persuaded” and the reason why it stayed on top of the charts for nine weeks. 

Chase Rice + Eyes on You

What It Means to Be in Love with Chase Rice Hit Song “Eyes On You”

Let’s find out what it feels to be in love with Chase Rice's hit song “Eyes On You.” 

Billy Currington + Seaside

Feel The Heat of the Summer with Billy Currington’s New Song “Seaside”

Summer is probably the most anticipated time of the year, and Billy Currington gives us a taste of heat through his song “Seaside.”

Billy Currington + Good Directions

Finding Love with Hit Single “Good Directions” by Billy Currington

Let’s find out how love at first sight works with Billy Currington’s new hit single “Good Directions.”

Georgette Jones + Apartment No. 9

How Georgette Jones’ Version of “Apartment No.9” Differs from Her Mother’s

Here, we’ll find out how Georgette Jones’s version of the hit single “Apartment No.9” differs from the version her mother, Tammy Wynette, released in 1967.  

Georgette Jones + Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad

Georgette Jones Gives Tribute to Her Mom with Her Rendition of “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad”

Georgette Jones proves that she is indeed Tammy Wynette’s daughter as she sings her rendition of her mom’s song “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad.”

Terry Bradshaw + I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry

Terry Bradshaw’s Revival of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” Will Make You Emotional

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw proves he can earn trophies and top the charts at the same time as he soulfully covers Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” 

Don Williams + Say It Again

“Say it Again” is One of Don William’s Catchiest Love Songs 

Don William’s version of “Say it Again” is an overwhelming expression of falling in love.

David Allan Coe + You Never Even Called Me by My Name

David Allan Coe’s “You Never Even Called Me by My Name” makes the ‘Perfect Humurous Country Song’ even more Perfect

David Allan Coe’s version popularized Steve Goodman’s and John Prine’s “You Never Even Called Me by My Name” and made him a breakout country solo artist. 

BackCountry Festival 2024

BackCountry Festival 2024: What you Need to Know

Save the dates from May 31 to June 2 and head to Corley Ranch in Gardnerville, Nevada, for a great time at BackCountry Festival 2024. 

Elvis Presley + You Ask Me To

Elvis Presley’s Version of “You Asked Me To” Proves that The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is a Committed Artist 

Elvis Presley’s recording of “You Ask Me To” was moving, affirming Elvis as a truly committed artist. 

Lauren Daigle’s Beautiful Live Performance of “You Say” Will Make You Believe in God

Lauren Daigle’s Beautiful Live Performance of “You Say” Will Make You Believe in God

American singer Lauren Daigle’s beautiful performance of her new song “You Say” will make you believe in God’s power. 

Red Rooster Festival 2024

Red Rooster Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Red Rooster Festival 2024 celebrates its tenth-year anniversary with an eclectic lineup in Euston Hall, Suffolk, UK, from May 30 to June 1. 

Rodney Atkins + Honesty

“Honesty” by Rodney Atkins sets the record straight on Trust and Integrity 

“Honesty (Write Me a List)” by Rodney Atkins lists intangibles that make relationships last a lifetime. 

Bobby Bare’s Country Rendition of The 1960S Folk Song “Four Strong Winds”

American country singer Bobby Bare gave fans hope in saving their failing relationship with his rendition of the 1960s classic song “Four Strong Winds.”

Darryl Worley Songs

Top 10 Darryl Worley Songs to Help You Overcome Any Setback

From life’s greatest stories to heart-touching love songs, these Darryl Worley set of songs will get you a dose of traditional country tones and soulful grooves that anyone can easily relate to.

Gulf Coast Jam 2024

Gulf Coast Jam 2024: What You Need to Know

Gulf Coast Jam 2024 is ready to rock Panama City Beach, Florida, from May 30 to June 2, and they’re bringing in the biggest names in country.

LUKE BRYAN RELEASES NEW SINGLE LOVE YOU, MISS YOU, MEAN IT

Luke Bryan Goes Back To His 2010 Era With “Love You, Miss You, Mean It”

Months after teasing the song, Luke Bryan finally released his single “Love You, Miss You, Mean It.” And everyone’s loving the nostalgic sound. 

Boston Calling Music Festival 2024

Boston Calling Music Festival 2024

Massachusetts is in for an epic weekend music experience at the Boston Calling Music Festival 2024 from May 24-26 at Harvard Athletic Complex.

Kelsea Ballerini's dropping a reimagined version of Love Me Like You Mean It

Kelsea Ballerini Reimagines Her Debut Single “Love Me Like You Mean It” On Its Tenth Year Anniversary

Kelsea Ballerini drops a reimagined version of her debut single “Love Me Like You Mean It” ten years after its first release. Listen to it here. 

Kelsea Ballerini + Love Me Like You Mean It

Kelsea Ballerini And Her Career-Defining Debut Single “Love Me Like You Mean It” 

Kelsea Ballerini started her journey with her debut single, “Love Me Like You Mean It,” in 2015. And it was definitely a career-defining moment. 

Ricky Skaggs + You May See Me Walkin'

“You May See Me Walkin’” by Ricky Skaggs Helps you Get Over your Ex

What better way to move on from a relationship than to sway joyfully to “You May See Me Walking” by Ricky Skaggs?

The Rise of The Montana Boyz on TikTok

The Montana Boyz and their Viral TikTok Fame

Cowboy boots and country music may seem like an odd combo, but the Montana Boyz prove otherwise when they broke the internet with their viral TikTok fame. 

DelFest 2024

DelFest 2024: What You Need to Know

The Allegany Country Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maryland, is about to be rocked this coming May 23-26 during the annual DelFest 2024. 

Darryl Worley + I Miss My Friend

“I Miss My Friend” by Darryl Worley is More than What You Think

If you need a good cry for a friendship or romantic bond lost, Darryl Worley’s powerful ballad “I Miss My Friend” is enough to keep you company.